RRI.CO.ID, Sleman - The Yogyakarta Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) is set to hold the Gamping Rock Festival #2 on 16–17 July 2026. The event will be centered in the Gamping Rock Nature Reserve and Nature Tourism Park (CA/TWA) in Ambarketawang, Gamping, Sleman Regency.

Under the theme Meruwat Tradisi, Merawat Konservasi (Nurturing Tradition, Caring for Conservation), the festival is an important effort to introduce Yogyakarta’s conservation tourism by combining education, cultural preservation and tourism.

The CA/TWA Gamping Rock area is significant as a historic ancient limestone site. Besides serving as habitat for diverse flora and fauna, the area is also the living space for Ambarketawang’s local traditions.

Through this annual festival, BKSDA Yogyakarta aims to bring the concept of nature conservation closer to the public via educational and cultural activities.

A variety of programs will enliven Gamping Rock Festival #2, including a Jemparingan competition (traditional Mataram archery); drawing and coloring contests for children, Gendu‑Gendu Rasa Konservasi (dialogue forum); a conservation exhibition; mass exercise sessions; and promotion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) products and services from conservation partners. The entire program is designed as both environmental education and family recreation.

This year’s highlight is the collaboration with the Bekakak customary ceremony. The tradition has been performed annually for generations.

Rituals begin with making the Bekakak bridal dolls from glutinous rice flour, fetching holy water, a collective prayer (midodareni), and a festive cultural procession.

The climax is a symbolic slaughtering of the Bekakak dolls, which take place within the CA/TWA Gamping Rock. The collaboration symbolizes how local cultural preservation can proceed harmoniously alongside efforts to protect conservation areas.

Head of BKSDA Yogyakarta, Darmanto, said the Batu Gamping Festival is a conservation approach that actively involves the community. He argued that successful nature protection depends heavily on local residents’ care.

“Conservation will succeed if the community is part of it. Through the Gamping Rock Festival, we want to introduce CA/TWA Batu Gamping not only as an area that holds geological wealth and biodiversity, but also as a living space for traditions and culture that continue to be preserved. This is a manifestation of harmony between humans, nature and culture that must be maintained together,” said Darmanto.

With Gamping Rock Festival #2, BKSDA Yogyakarta hopes one of the region’s oldest reserves will gain wider recognition as a premier conservation tourism destination in Sleman. The festival is also expected to boost quality tourist visits, strengthen the local economy, and raise youth awareness for sustainable preservation of nature and culture. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)